Clinks Light Lunch | Issue 573 | 22nd February 2019

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In this week's edition...

CLINKS NEWS: older people who have offended

We are launching our Flexible is vital report at a morning event [29th March, London, free]. The report focuses on the role and the value of the voluntary sector for older people who have offended. It looks at how voluntary organisations are meeting their needs and how, as these needs grow, this value might be maximised for the future. Find out more here 

CLINKS NEWS: run a conference workshop

We are inviting our members to take part in our annual conference 2019 by running sessions that explore, examine and celebrate how voluntary organisations working within the criminal justice system create change together. The conference takes place in London on the 9th May. We encourage organisations to propose workshops that include: collaboration with other organisations and/or experts by experience; consideration of the needs of people in the criminal justice system who are protected under the Equalities Act (2010); and how organisations can stand together to speak freely on behalf of, and amplify the voice of, their service users. If you would like to propose a session at the conference contact events@clinks.org by 28th February.

CLINKS EVENT: women’s networking forum

Clinks, with support from Agenda, will be holding the next women’s networking forum [19th March, Manchester, £15]. Our networking forums provide support, information and networking opportunities to those working with women in contact with the criminal justice system. We welcome your suggestions for agenda items. Please contact kate.aldous@clinks.org to submit a suggestion. Find out more and book here 

CLINKS BLOG: who does our sector support?

We've published the first in a series of snapshots of the key trends and issues uncovered by our State of the sector research - the most detailed information we have on how voluntary organisations working with people in contact with the criminal justice system are faring. This blog takes a closer look at our finding that service user numbers are continuing to rise, with people's basic needs no longer being met, and how organisations are supporting people protected under the Equalities Act (2010). Read the blog here 

CLINKS RESPONSE: Welsh justice

Clinks responded to the Welsh Justice Commission call for evidence. Our response outlines the need for any long term vision for justice in Wales to consider how to ensure that devolved and non-devolved policy areas can be best joined up in order to work together towards better rehabilitation outcomes. Following our submission, Anne Fox, Clinks' Chief Executive Officer gave oral evidence to the commission that focused on meeting the needs of women in contact with the criminal justice system. She stressed the need for effective funding for well-established trauma-informed women’s specific services, and for referral systems to be in place to ensure the needs of these women can be met. Read the response here 

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: eliminating workplace bullying

The Centre for Mental Health, working in partnership with ACEVO, is researching workplace bullying in charity leadership. It aims to understand the conditions in which bullying occurs, its effects on individuals and why in some organisations bullying behaviour continues for a significant period of time unchecked. They are asking those who feel able to share their experiences to complete a confidential online questionnaire, and also take part in interviews. Find out more here 

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: temporary home needed for London charity

The Upper Room needs a home for approximately four months, provisionally from mid-March to mid-July, whilst building work is completed on its current premises. The charity provides a number of inter-linked services that focus on giving the socially disadvantaged the tools and skills they need to restore their dignity, reduce their risk of homelessness and help them to become economically independent. The location needs to be as close to the London W12 postcode as possible, with good transport links. If you have space to offer, please contact CEO Nicky Flynn for more information on 07856 915 582 or at Nicky.Flynn@theupperroom.org.uk 

CLINKS MEMBER'S NEWS: new website

Circles South West has launched a new website and invites you to have a look around. It has updated its printed and digital information creating a unique identity that it has now taken online. You can also view its two minute animated ‘explainer’ about how Circles work. Find out more here 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: probation provider in administration

Working Links, which operated three Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) (Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset & Wiltshire; Dorset, Devon & Cornwall; and Wales) went into administration last week with Seetec, owners of Kent, Surrey and Sussex CRC, taking over. Clinks has been in discussion with organisations in the Working links supply chain and Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service to ensure the voluntary sector has up to date information about the situation and future relationships. If you require any further information about the situation please contact Jessica.mullen@clinks.org

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: CRC found to be inadequate

HM Inspectorate of Probation has published an inspection of the Working Links-managed Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC). It is the first CRC in the inspectorate's 2018-19 inspection schedule to be rated as ‘Inadequate’, the lowest rating. Through-the-gate work, delivered with members Catch22 and Pact, is rated as 'Good', with some characteristics of outstanding performance. Dame Glenys Stacey, HM Chief Inspector of Probation, has welcomed government action to ensure the continued operation of the three CRCs, whose parent company, Working Links, has announced it is going into administration. She said, “The professional ethos of probation has buckled under the strain of the commercial pressures put upon it here, and it must be restored urgently.” Download the inspection report here (PDF) 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: insights from practitioners and researchers

The Probation Institute has published Issue 11 of its magazine, Probation Quarterly. Page 20 has an article from Clinks Chair Roma Hooper, in which she introduces herself and her vision for Clinks. The issue also looks at probation services in courts, the prosecution of parents for truancy, preventing suicide amongst people under supervision, and building a restorative probation service. Download the issue here (PDF) 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: Justice Secretary's speech

In a speech on the 18th February, Justice Secretary David Gauke set out his vision for the justice system. He said, "Now is the time for […] a national debate about what justice, including punishment, should look like for our modern times." He urged those who shape the system to “take a step back” and ask fundamental questions, such as whether our approach to sentencing reduces crime; if prisons currently maximise the chances of rehabilitation; and if we should look at better alternatives. After the speech, he responded to Clinks’ Jess Mullen’s question on the role of the voluntary sector by recognising the huge amount of work by the sector and crediting it for helping to change views in favour of rehabilitation. Read the speech here 

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: YOI inspection

HM Inspectorate of Prisons has announced inspections of HM YOI Werrington. The team will be on site during the week of the 25th February 2019. If you have any queries about this please contact hmiprisons.enquiries@hmiprisons.gov.uk

OPPORTUNITY: understand your value and improve your impact

Pro Bono Economics (PBE) is looking for charities and social enterprises to apply for its London Support Programme in 2019. PBE matches charities with volunteer economists with the aim of helping these organisations understand their value and improve their impact. The programme is offered to charities whose work focuses on the wellbeing of people in Greater London. It is particularly interested in work addressing mental health and loneliness, but also welcomes applications addressing education, employment, poverty and complex needs. The application deadline is 15th March. Find out more here (PDF)  

NON-MEMBER'S EVENTS AND TRAINING

  • Bid writing workshops, basic and advanced | 18th - 29th March, various locations, £95 | Details 

CLINKS MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Vacancies on the jobs board this week include: Finance Apprentice with Humankind (formerly DISC) [Newton Aycliffe], Outreach Team Leader with Women@thewell [Kings Cross], Engagement Team Member with User Voice [Sheffield], Food Collection and Delivery Driver with Changing Lives [Newcastle upon Tyne], Prison Volunteer with The Forward Trust [HMP Wandsworth and HMP Brixton], Family Engagement Worker with Jigsaw Visitors' Centre [Leeds], Service Manager with Waymarks [Selby], Peer Engagement Worker with Peerpower [London], and a Salesforce Administrator with Switchback [London]. For more information about these vacancies, and many more, click here 

TIPS OF THE WEEK

  • Tip of the week I: Free entry to Squishy Space children's play area at the Barbican for under fives. Details
  • Tip of the week II: 20% off Office Offcuts shoes outlet (use code MSE20 at the checkout until 11.59pm on Friday 22nd February). Details
  • Tip of the week III: Get 10 children's picture books for £10 at The Works. Details

EXTRA INFORMATION

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